Contemplation

As his long, graceful fingers played the last phrases of the shstyen, Bri'seiyis nodded to Zha'viirel, who stepped forwards, eyes closed and body swaying as his sweet, pure voice filled the chamber with song.
      After some moments Ti'nienan joined in, his softer, huskier voice harmonising with the prince as Ti'vadin began a gentle, rhythmic susurrating underbeat on tha'an, followed moments later by Dha'theyaan and Ti'kaanan on zth'ihihn…
      The watchers - in the chamber and on Vejiitasei, where the family were watching the live feed via the big monitor in the classroom - were entranced. The fact that only the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin could understand what was being sung (it was a retelling in Formal R'ren'nkh'ia-go of the zn'hre's story, as pieced together from the ship's records and what tales and legends the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin had been able to dig up from their own history) made no difference whatsoever to anyone's enjoyment. The duet segued into the work's final movement, a celebration of the zn'hre's return to Zhane. Not that they were any closer to finding the homeworld yet, but Bri'seiyis was of the opinion that prefiguring the joyous event in song would help to make it a reality.
      As the zhai drew to its triumphant close, a long, soft, hissing sigh of deep satisfaction went through the R'ren'nkh'ian part of the audience, while the Saiya-jin clapped softly, unwilling to spoil the atmosphere with any loud noise.
      That had been wonderful….

Zha'haabron smiled at the family from his place at the back of the classroom. 'tiisaan, Mahrayne, Jeice and Keisan had made sure they sat on the floor cushions to the side at the front: the king was prepared to swear that they were already devising a dance to accompany the music. Kiraz, his arms around 'haabron's shoulders, was cuddled into the zn'hre prince from behind: beside them, 'raadiin - 'fallon snuggled into his side - had watched his sire-sib on the screen with a distinctly proud expression, even batting Kiraz over the head to shut him up when the Saiyan got restless. Buahan, with Pirum on one side and a bemused Peyaru on the other, had listened intently, frowning slightly: Zha'haabron couldn't tell whether she'd enjoyed it or not. 'leesaan had spent much of the time jotting notes down on a scriber, not overly surprising given his fascination for the different forms of R'ren'nkh'ia-go…
      **It was very beautiful…** Zha'haarak, cradled against his bondmate with Kinu snuggled against his belly, Jagung and Ti'aasaan at his side, glanced over his shoulder at his Ssii'iin. He *sounded* a little wistful, and Zha'haabron frowned.
      **Something wrong, sweetheart?**
      The gentle zn'hre shook his head.
      **No, heart brother**
      **You are sure?**
      Zha'haarak smiled.
      **I'm sure. It is just…Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to dance…**
      The king nodded sadly, unsurprised. Zha'haarak was so artistically inclined, and moved so gracefully, but his damaged hip precluded anything more energetic than a slow walk.
      Or did it? Several of the dances he'd seen 'tiisaan performing were slow, elegant, gentle things, fluid and graceful…
      Zha'haabron resolved to speak with Vinas.

Everyone had been overjoyed to have Jeice back with them, even if he did spend a large part of his days in Council or at the diplomatic corps. And Keisan was, they quickly decided, a sweet, engaging and fascinating person. The pair had a suite to themselves in the R'ren'nkh'ian wing, but spent much of their free time with the family - which of course meant 'tiisaan and Mahrayne cajoling them into dancing. Not that either of them objected…

Jeice had left his mate dancing with Mahrayne and 'tiisaan in the palace grounds while he spoke with Radittsu in the suite. The big Saiyan had welcomed him with open arms and open heart, and the little alien had settled into his embrace with a happy sigh. Radittsu kissed his hair.

"We've missed you."
      "So have I - missed you, I mean. You, the family, are such a huge part of my life…" He sat for a moment, soaking up the warmth and contentment that was Radittsu, then shifted to gaze into the deep ebony eyes.
      "I understand the palace was attacked while I was gone."
      Radittsu nodded unhappily. Jeice laid a hand against his face.
      "I may be able to help. Do you remember Rikuma?"
      "Bataa's bodyguard? Heh, of course I do!"
      "He was of the species you're calling the Warui-jin."
      Radittsu tensed, wide-eyed. Jeice smiled grimly.
      "A very low-ki, inexperienced, not particularly effective specimen - otherwise Bataa wouldn't have been able to afford him - but of that race all the same."
      "You know about them? Their homeworld co-ordinates?"
      Jeice shook his head.
      "I was never allowed access to that sort of material. But I think I could find it. There'll be records on Omani. If there's anything left of the place…"
      The Saiyan frowned, nodding slowly.
      "It wasn't all destroyed. We kept the administration and military installations intact."
      "Good. I stand a chance of finding the information we need, in that case. I'll speak to the Ssii'iin as soon as I can."
      Radittsu eyed the hash'shavven.
      "You've only just arrived! And the Ssii'iin won't want you placing yourself in any danger…"
      Jeice waved any and all objections away with a small graceful hand.
      "I'm here to stay - I'm the hash'shavven ambassador and liaison to the Alliance. At the moment it's more important that we obliterate the Warui-jin - which is as good a name as any for them." He shrugged. "As far as I know, they have no name for themselves. And as for my going into danger - since that 'awakening' my ki has increased…"
      Curious, Radittsu scanned the alien, his eyes widening.
      "Fuck! That's…"
      "… higher than the Ssii'iin, yes, I know. And when my people are together…" He sighed. "Vejiita was right in thinking we would make an irresistible force."
      Radittsu stared for a moment, then smirked and ruffled the hash'shavven's hair.
      "I'm very glad you're on our side!"
      Jeice grinned, then sobered.
      "What's wrong with Ti'aasaan? He's not happy, is he?"
      The Saiyan shook his head.
      "Merica said the same thing. And yet he seems fine. Jagung hasn't noticed anything. But you think there's something wrong?"
      "Yes. But I can't pin it down." He sighed. "Maybe if I talk to him…"
      "Might be worth trying. But later." Radittsu nuzzled the soft white hair. "How much are we going to be seeing of you?"
      Jeice chuckled and smirked up through his fringe.
      "Oh, as much as you like, aijin…"
      Grinning widely, the Saiyan rolled onto his back, pulling the little alien with him…

Ti'aasaan had been happy to talk, but insisted he was perfectly happy, and indeed, as far as he himself was aware, that seemed to be true. Puzzled, Jeice decided to monitor the little zn'hre for the time being… More worrisome was what was happening to Ti'ani. The hybrid was trying hard to hide it, but his distress was clear to the hash'shavven.
      Jeice had brought it to Zha'haabron's attention as they were leaving the Council meeting at which Jeice had, to everyone's jubilation (and Manzano and Nashi's immediate calling of a special conference to organise a followup mission to Omani), revealed what he knew of the Warui-jin.
      "I don't know what the problem is, my Ssii'iin. They've always been able to block me, and Ti'ani is doing so hard right now. But I can tell he's not happy."
      Zha'haabron frowned.
      "And Le'leen is no help?"
      "He refuses to talk to me."
      "Hm." The king inclined his head. Neither Ti'aasaan nor Leteetza had shown any sign of awareness that anything might be wrong - but then, the little zn'hre was wrapped up in his relationship with Jagung and Merica, and the King's Companion was busy trying to balance Vejiita's demands that his heir start being treated as the future king now with her determination to ensure the twins grew up as brothers. Not to mention trying to prepare for Vejiita Shinnou's presentation to the Saiya-jin. Perhaps the teachers might have noticed something: he'd have to make time to discuss the matter with them. He stroked Jeice's cheek gently.
      "Thank you for speaking of it. I will see what I can do." He inclined his head. "Is all well with you? With Keisan?"
      The little hash'shavven nodded.
      "I'm happy here. Keisan misses Home: she may return after our daughter is born."
      The king blinked.
      "You will not accompany her?"
      Jeice shrugged.
      "My place is here."
      Zha'haabron stared for a moment, then ushered the little alien into a small reading room. As they settled themselves he frowned.
      "Your place should be with your mate, my friend."
      Jeice grinned.
      "If we were bonded I would agree with you. Since we are not, however, and I am the Alliance's representative of my species, I will remain here."
      "But… she carries your hostling…"
      Jeice took one of Zha'haabron's cool hands between his own.
      "Ssii'iin, we have resumed our ancient way of life. We mate to produce children: once they are born they become the responsibility of all. If mates are well suited and agreeable, they may remain together as a family - for however long and however many children they wish. If not, once the child is weaned, they may separate, to choose new mates if they so wish."
      Zha'haabron opened his mouth to speak: Jeice forestalled him.
      "The children do not suffer in the least. Since we have been reunited, there are strong bonds between us all, we are all part of each other. If Keisan returns to Home to bear our child, I will still touch her, still be a part of her life, as she will be of mine. On Home, she will have thousands of her own kind to dance with, which cannot happen here."
      "And if Keisan takes another mate?"
      "I expect her to. We have taken a conscious decision to repopulate our world as quickly as we can - and recreate some of the talents that have been lost to us since the Omanir enslaved us."
      "Selective breeding."
      The hash'shavven nodded.
      "Within certain limits - we will force no one. But at the moment we are so few! So many have been lost…" He chuckled, fondly. "All our females are carrying. Happily - they all chose to do so. And for the first time in generations they were able to choose their mates."
      Zha'haabron frowned: according to his records there were many more female than male hash'shavven at present. Jeice caught the thought and nodded.
      "Most males have sired more than one child - many more, in the cases of the less prevalent talents. There are some quite large family groups on Home right now!"
      "And yourself?"
      Jeice lowered his eyes, expression saddened.
      "Only Keisan." He paused for a moment, then gazed into compassionate golden eyes. "She called me hasshvien, before she died."
      "Veiyan?"
      "Yes… It means, 'my soul'. It is only used between bondmates. I believe she saw below the surface…" He shook his head. "However, I cannot brood. We have a Home to reclaim - and talents to bring to fruition. Keisan is tender, affectionate, a fine and powerful mate. Our daughter will be strong and loving."
      Zha'haabron cupped his cheek gently, heart aching for the *pain* he could feel in Jeice, the loss of the little female he'd hardly known yet known so well. The little female he, Zha'haabron, had failed to rescue… Jeice glowered.
      "Don't you dare blame yourself! You did all that you could. We just weren't in time…" He sighed and closed his eyes briefly, then smiled at the king.
      "It's good that Mahrayne has her sister back, ne?"
      "Indeed. Pirum is a delight to have in the family."
      Jeice frowned.
      "I don't mean Pirum… Oh…. Ah, I see…"
      Zha'haabron inclined his head enquiringly.
      "See what?"
      Jeice chewed his lower lip for a few moments, debating whether he should continue. Then he sighed. It was bound to come out sooner or later.
      "I mean Mahrayne's twin."
      Zha'haabron blinked.
      "Her twin - Alida - died before birth."
      Jeice nodded.
      "That would explain a lot."
      The king frowned irritably.
      "Please elucidate."
      One good thing, Jeice later thought, about the zn'hre was their acceptance of things at which less open-minded races would scoff. Of course, Zha'haabron had bonded with an alien, and had been brought back from death by that bondmate, and was therefore, understandably, even more flexible than most. He accepted the news of Alida's permanent *presence* with his usual aplomb.
      "However," he remarked, after a moment's thought, "this is not going to make Zorun very happy."
      Jeice winced. Having experienced the big Saiyan's unhappiness in the past, he wasn't looking forward to the Guard's reaction when he found out.
      "I suppose he does have to know?"
      Zha'haabron regarded him calmly for a moment, then sighed.
      "Even if we say nothing, I can't imagine Mahrayne keeping it a secret for long. I assume the only reason she's said nothing so far is because she simply hasn't thought to do so…"

Arriving back early for the midday meal, Hijau smiled indulgently at his bondmate. Zha'haarak lay supported by a low pile of cushions, Tane at his hip, Dari's hand over his abdomen, Kinu snuggled into his side playing with his hair until the little hybrid could go back to stroking his belly. Jagung saluted as the Captain entered the common room.
      "Everything all right?"
      Jagung grinned.
      "Yes, sir."
      Zh'leet poked her head around the corner of the coolstore.
      "Welcome back, Hi'ijaa-san! The Ssii'irin has had some good news!"
      Jagung growled at her.
      "Let Zha'haarak-sama tell him himself, baka tokage!"
      Zh'leet glowered, then grinned.
      "Yes, you're quite right. Sorry Hi'ijaa-san."
      He blinked, then eyed the brood suspiciously.
      "You're in a very good mood, Zh'leet. What's happened?"
      "Zha'haarak's news first…"
      Hijau heaved a long-suffering sigh and sat beside his bondmate. Zha'haarak took his hand.
      "Vinas says it will be a good idea for me to dance. Just a little, nothing too energetic."
      Hijau stared blankly, then frowned.
      "Dance? I didn't know you wanted to."
      Zha'haarak coloured faintly and bit his lip.
      "I have been watching Zha'tiisaan and Mahrayne… They dance so beautifully… I wondered if…"
      Hijau scowled.
      "And how long have you wanted to do this?"
      The gentle zn'hre's voice was a quiet murmur.
      "Since… since I first saw Jeice dance…"
      "And you said nothing." Hijau folded his arms across his chest as Zha'haarak shook his head, eyes downcast. "Zkai'da, why do you never tell me these things?"
      "I'm sorry…" It was an almost tearful whisper. Hijau placed gentle fingers under the prince's chin and raised his face, smiling ruefully.
      *I'm not angry, beloved. But please don't keep things from me.*
      **But we - I - thought it was not possible… There was no point in telling you…**
      *I'd still like to know, hoseki!*
      **I did not want you to be concerned - you have enough to worry about…**
      Hijau shook his head, eyes closed, despairing of ever getting the gentle zn'hre to put himself first. He glanced at the healer twins.
      "What do you think?"
      They both looked up, smiling.
      "We think it's an excellent idea, Hijau-sama!" Tane nodded. "It'll keep the joint exercised and moving smoothly, and strengthen the muscle as well. And that can't do anything but good, both for his highness and your baby."
      Hijau glanced down at Zha'haarak, who was watching him with pleading eyes.
      "Please, zkai'da?"
      Hijau chuckled.
      "Of course. As long as you don't overdo it. You are to take it very easy, not over-exert yourself in any way." He glanced at the prince's guard. "You'll make sure of that?"
      Jagung nodded.
      "Of course, sir."
      "Very well. I'll speak to Jeice and Mahrayne." He turned his attention to Zh'leet. "You have some news as well?"
      She nodded, grinning.
      "Br'yaan will be arriving in ten days time."
      Hijau smirked.
      "Someone else for you to bully and boss around?"
      The ko'ish'n bristled.
      "I do not…" She paused, smiling wryly. "Well, perhaps I do. Just a little. But someone has to keep order around here!"
      Hijau chuckled.
      "I'm pleased for you, Zh'leet. It'll be good to have another tz'een around."
      He relaxed as the main door opened and the children poured in - minus Ti'ani and Le'leen. Raising an eyebrow at Leteetza, who'd joined the class this morning with 'jiita and 'dittsu, he asked where they were. She smiled tiredly.
      "Brats wanted to catch their own meal. Their guard are with them…"

… which didn't please either of them, but they really didn't feel up to another shouting match with maazi and papa, so they put up with it. Luckily their guard stayed well back.
      *This is getting well beyond a joke, skai'tan. You're going to have to do something.*
      Ti'ani gazed at his twin, and dropped quickly to the ground to slump against a fallen tree trunk. Le'leen followed him down and wrapped an arm across his shoulders, tail around his waist.
      *You know I'm right.*
      Both hybrids were suffering, as Le'leen had thought they would. Ti'ani's unrequited feelings for his machii hurt.
      *I'm sorry…*
      *Sorry isn't making it any easier!*
      Ti'ani eyed his sib - then burst into tears. Sighing exasperatedly, Le'leen pulled him into a close embrace.
      *I'm not trying to make things more difficult, honestly. But this awful fucking pain… and you not sleeping… I can only cover for you so far, you know. Someone's going to notice you aren't eating, soon. 'rayne's already noticed you can't concentrate.* He hissed his annoyance. *Can't you just fuck him and have done with it?*
      Ti'ani wept on his shoulder, shaking his head.
      *Not fair to 'fallon… and he doesn't want me, I know he doesn't. He never looks at me…*
      Ye gods! Le'leen shook his twin gently.
      *You don't know that. Stop being so self-pitying.*
      *Can't help it…*
      *'ani, I'm serious. This can't go on. What are you going to do? Because if you don't do something, I will…*
      Ti'ani snuffled and lifted his head.
      *I'm going to talk to Jeice.*
      At last, some sense! Le'leen kissed his sibling.
      *Excellent idea! Tonight?*
      Ti'ani nodded.
      *As soon as I can, anyway.*
      *Good. Now, are you up to the hunt?*
      *Yes. It'll take my mind off things…*

'haabron had noticed something a little strange over the last ten days or so, and brought it to his aijin's attention. Kobis had been surreptitiously fondling him at the time and wasn't too pleased to have his mind brought back to the ground…
      **They're watching us**
      The Saiyan nipped the zn'hre's neck.
      *Who is?*
      **Pirum and 'selaan. They're watching us**
      Kobis glanced at the pair, sitting together on a large floor cushion, heads together, apparently deep in conversation over a portable scriber. He growled.
      *You're imagining it. But if you're worried, let's go to one of the other rooms…*

Jeice had spent half an hour on the sleeping platform, keeping an eye on the youngest children while Hijau took Zha'haarak to Vinas for a checkup. He was enjoying himself; it was incredibly sweet the way Ra'vahn kept 'dittsu occupied, playing with the sturdy, laughing child, and Za'rayne kept 'jiita under control by the simple expedient of wrapping his tail tightly around the protesting, growling prince…
      A light tug at his arm had him turning, to find 'zhasaan, for once without 'miiron at his side, gazing up at him. He smiled and shifted to sit cross-legged, allowing the hostling to crawl onto his lap.
      *What is it, little one?*
      'zhasaan sighed and lowered his head.
      **It's Alida, Je-chan. No-one else can see her**
      Jeice kissed the top of the child's head.
      *I can see her, zk'vissin.*
      The zn'hre's head came up, eyes wide and bright.
      **You can?**
      The hash'shavven nodded - though 'seeing' wasn't quite what he did. It was more a sensing of a golden, roughly humanoid-shaped energy field, but one with a personality. He'd wondered why no-one else could see/feel it: its presence was very strong. That Zha'zhasaan was aware of it came as no surprise.
      **Why can't anyone else see her?**
      *I think you have to have a special ability - or special eyes - to see her.*
      **Oh. So we're special?**
      *All of us are special in some way, little one.*
      'zhasaan nodded.
      **I know that, Je-chan**
      *Does it worry you that you can see her?*
      The hostling shook his head.
      **No. It's not as scary as seeing the future. That was horrible**
      Zha'haabron had described the episode to Jeice, who'd berated himself for not being there to help. But as far as he could tell, the little dreamer had come to no lasting harm, and the images locked away in his mind would be secure until he was old enough - or curious enough - to deal with them.
      *Have you tried speaking to her?*
      **No. Do you think I should?**
      *Would you like to?*
      'zhasaan chewed his lower lip.
      **I don't know**
      Jeice cuddled him. The hostling seemed so young, sometimes, it was difficult to remember he was born at the same time as the supremely self-confident 'raadiin or loving, contemplative 'haabron…
      *Perhaps wait a little, until you're sure.*
      The child snuggled into the hash'shavven, comforted by the knowledge he wasn't the only one seeing the presence, and nodded.
      **Thank you, Je-chan**
      Jeice stroked his hair gently, then glanced over his shoulder as Le'leen and Ti'ani returned with their afternoon's catch.
      He frowned. Ti'ani had opened: the hybrid wanted to talk - but he was nervous, Jeice wasn't sure how long the willingness to communicate would last…
      To his relief, moments later Radittsu arrived back, with Kiraz, 'jiisa - and 'raadiin. The sudden sharp spike in Ti'ani's emotions told Jeice almost all he needed to know. He sighed and caught the big Saiyan's eye.
      *Mind taking over for a while, aijin? I have a small matter to attend to.*
      Radittsu's eyes flickered to the hybrids then back to Jeice. He gave a rueful half smile.
      *See what you can do.*

Jeice held the sobbing hybrid close, stroking his back and rocking gently. Le'leen hovered close, arms and tail wrapped around himself, rocking in time to the hash'shavven, hurting almost as much as his twin.
      Although the pain was easing as Ti'ani drew strength and comfort and endurance from the little alien, reinforcing his own shields and - somehow, in some esoteric sense - learning how to cope with the unfamiliar, unwanted feelings. They were still there, he still wanted 'raadiin, but they no longer overwhelmed him. As his sobs diminished he lay limply in the hash'shavven's arms, feeling drained but considerably better.
      *It's only a temporary solution, though, koi. You really should speak to your machii.*
      Ti'ani nodded wearily.
      *I know. But… it's so humiliating! I don't want this. I hate my body taking over, not being able to control it.*
      Jeice sighed and nuzzled his mane.
      *I know, I know.*
      The hybrid took several deep breaths, then pulled himself upright and brushed Jeice's lips with his own.
      "Thank you, Jeice-sama."
      The hash'shavven smiled at the formality.
      "You are welcome any time, my Ssii'iir." He stroked the child's face gently. "Truly, Ti-chan. If you need me, need to talk, need anything you think I can help with, just *ask*."
      Ti'ani nodded gratefully, and glanced over his shoulder at his twin. Le'leen looked happier, more relaxed now, too.
      "I'm hungry."
      Jeice chuckled. Ti'ani must be feeling better if he wanted food…

The day of 'jiita's presentation to the people dawned in a blaze of sunslight, brilliant and warm and promising. Leteetza had spent the night in the royal suite with Vejiita and 'jiita - who'd objected loudly and constantly that he wanted his brother there too, much to the Saiya-jin-no-Ou's annoyance and consternation - but returned briefly to the suite during morning meal. Radittsu was sitting on the platform, his woebegone Saiyan son in one arm, Ra'vahn in the other. He looked exhausted. Leteetza took 'dittsu into her arms and regarded Radittsu with concern.
      "You all right?"
      He sighed and tried to smile.
      "Just tired. Spent the night trying to explain why 'jiita isn't here, and what's going to happen today…"
      Leteetza nodded.
      "It's no consolation, but we didn't get much sleep either. I don't care what Vejiita wants or thinks he's going to get, I'm sure those two will always have their kin-bond. They won't let themselves be separated."
      The big male smirked.
      "Nice thought." He stretched and handed Ra'vahn back to Zha'haabron, who had finished eating and was trying to comb his hybrids' manes into some approximation of tidiness. The presentation was to be broadcast just before noon, and followed by a worldwide feast, and it was going to take that long to get the whole family ready for the event…

The throne room was packed. Vejiita, Leteetza at his side holding 'jiita - who was scowling but at least not wriggling or screaming, as she'd feared he would - stood on the dais, the rarely worn sunburst insignia around his neck. Zha'haabron stood to one side, at a little distance to the King, his hands resting on 'haabron's shoulders: Jeice and Keisan stood, likewise, to the other - Alliance partners in the picture but not the main focus of it. (The arrangement had been Nashi's suggestion, demonstrating that the Saiya-jin-no-Ou, present and future, was supported by two of the most powerful races known.)
      The presentation itself was simplicity itself: with the various video-recording devices trained on the brightly-lit dais transmitting the ceremony across the member worlds, Vejiita raised his son before him and in a low, powerful, commanding voice proclaimed him Vejiita Shinnou, Saiya-jin-no-Ouji, King to be and future ruler of the Saiya-jin Empire.
      There were representatives of every member of the Empire present, and all knelt to declare their allegiance. Leteetza swallowed past the lump in her throat, and smiled damp-eyed out over the assembly, proud, so proud to be part of something so great and so wonderful…